Kathryn Capone


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Me in Surfer's Paradise, Australia 2010


I'm Kathryn Capone and I'm a Biology and Secondary Education Major. I intend to graduate with certifications for teaching high school Biology and General Science. I was born and grew up in a small town on the Great South Bay in Long Island, New York. I came to school at URI because of the science department, its proximity to L.I, and because it's surrounded by water and has beautiful scenery- what can I say. I'm unsure of whether I will stay and teach here or go back to long island. In my free time I like to surf, snowboard, longboard skateboard, paint and sing. I graduate in May/August and can't wait to start teaching!



Teaching Portfolio

My Teaching Philosophy

Unit Plan: Ecology

Unit Plan Overview:
Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with how organisms interact with one another and with their environment. The purpose of this unit is to teach students the concepts of ecosystems and the critical relationships that exist within it. Students will analyze how energy flows through these systems, and the diversity and impact of organisms, communities, and populations around us.

This unit on ecology will begin in January and take place immediately following a unit on photosynthesis. The ecology unit will take about 2 1/2 weeks to cover, including a common task, two quizzes, and a unit exam.

First, students will gain knowledge of the principles of ecology, including what ecology is, what ecologists do, and identify different biomes and important aspects of an organism’s environment (i.e. biotic vs. abiotic factors). Next we will study how energy is either produced or consumed by different organisms and study how this energy flows through systems (i.e. food webs). Students will complete a common task in which they will analyze food chains and webs and work to display proficiency. Students will then compare and contrast different biomes of the Earth, while analyzing factors that identify communities and their existence. Next, we will look into the cycling of important nutrients and matter (i.e. nitrogen cycle) within an ecosystem and learn the important processes involved in each, relating this back to how organisms obtain these nutrients. Lastly, students will understand the importance of biological diversity, environmental and human impacts on ecosystems, and the role of ecologists.


Student Teaching Information

A. First Student Teaching Placement

School: Westerly High School
Address: 23 Ward Avenue Westerly, RI 02891

Principal: Steven Ruscito
Sci Dept Head/MS Team Leader: M.J. Utley
Office secretary(s): Deanna Fallon, Carolyn Pinkhover, Liz Gervasini
Custodian(s):
Who do you call when sick or dying? The main office
What are the phone numbers? (401) 596-2109
Cooperating Teacher: Julie Malone




Observations and Reflections


1. Lesson Opening Strategies
3. Teaching Style
5. Game of School
2. Observing Student Actions
4. Handling Disruptions